About educational psychologists
Educational psychologists are psychologists who work on learning, development and well-being at school: assessment of learning difficulties, ADHD or high abilities, support plans and guidance for families and teachers.
Getting mental health care in Chile
Public health system · Fonasa and GES (Garantías Explícitas en Salud)
Depression in people aged 15 and over is a GES-guaranteed condition: Fonasa users are treated in primary care (CESFAM) and community mental health centres, with treatment starting after diagnosis and specialist consultation within 30 days of referral. Fonasa groups A to D pay nothing for GES depression care; Isapre members pay 20%. Depression has the longest waiting lists in the system. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Superintendencia de Salud, Registro Nacional de Prestadores Individuales de Salud (RNPI). The RNPI shows whether a psychologist or doctor (including psychiatrists and their specialty) is legally qualified to practise in Chile; search by name or RUT and download a certificate for free.
Insurance and coverage
GES depression treatment is covered for both Fonasa and Isapre members, with 0% copay for Fonasa A-D and 20% for Isapre.
Urgent help in Chile
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 131 · Ambulancia (SAMU)
- *4141 · *4141 Línea de Prevención del Suicidio (MINSAL)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: superdesalud.gob.cl, superdesalud.gob.cl, chileatiende.gob.cl
What does a educational psychologist do?
An educational psychologist supports children and young people’s learning, development and well-being in educational settings. Day to day they assess learning, attention, behaviour and emotional difficulties, observe pupils in class, write reports with recommendations, and work with families and teachers on support plans. Some also guide students on study habits, school transitions and career choices, or train school staff.
When to see a educational psychologist
It makes sense to consult an educational psychologist when a child struggles to read, write or do maths despite effort, has trouble concentrating, shows changes in behaviour at school, may have high abilities, or faces bullying or school refusal. If there are significant emotional problems at home as well, or a possible mental health condition, a clinical or child psychologist may also be needed.
How is it different from other professionals?
An educational psychologist is a psychologist focused on learning and school, able to carry out psychological assessments. A psychopedagogue, or educational therapist, usually comes from education and works on learning strategies and intervention, often without formal psychological diagnosis. A speech therapist focuses on language and communication. A clinical child psychologist treats emotional and behavioural problems beyond the school context.
What happens in the first session
The first meeting is usually with parents or carers, sometimes with the young person present, to understand the concern, development, school history and what has been tried. The psychologist may ask for school reports or permission to talk to teachers. Bring report cards, previous assessments, examples of schoolwork, and questions about what the assessment involves and how results will be shared.
How long does the process take?
An assessment usually takes a few sessions, followed by a feedback meeting and a written report. Intervention or follow-up can be short, such as a few guidance sessions for parents and teachers, or longer when there is ongoing support for learning, attention or behaviour. Duration depends on the child’s needs, age, school cooperation and how consistently recommendations are applied.
Online or in person?
Online sessions work well for parent guidance, meetings with teachers, study skills coaching for older students and reviewing progress. Formal assessments with standardised tests and work with younger children are usually better in person, where the psychologist can observe attention, behaviour and how the child approaches tasks. Some professionals combine an in-person assessment with online follow-up.
How to check their qualifications
Educational psychologists are psychologists, so check that they are registered with the psychology licensing body or professional college of their country. Ask about their postgraduate training in educational or child psychology, experience with the specific difficulty, the assessment tools they use and whether their reports are accepted by schools. Where relevant, ask whether they follow child-protection and data-protection standards.
What affects the price?
Costs depend on whether you need a full assessment with a written report or ongoing sessions, the number of tests involved, the professional’s experience, the city and the modality. School visits or meetings with teachers may be charged separately. Ask for an estimate in advance, and check whether the school or public education services offer assessments at no cost.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Chile cover psychological care?
Depression in people aged 15 and over is a GES-guaranteed condition: Fonasa users are treated in primary care (CESFAM) and community mental health centres, with treatment starting after diagnosis and specialist consultation within 30 days of referral. Fonasa groups A to D pay nothing for GES depression care; Isapre members pay 20%. Depression has the longest waiting lists in the system.
How do I check that a educational psychologist is licensed in Chile?
Superintendencia de Salud, Registro Nacional de Prestadores Individuales de Salud (RNPI): The RNPI shows whether a psychologist or doctor (including psychiatrists and their specialty) is legally qualified to practise in Chile; search by name or RUT and download a certificate for free.